The documentary Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal has recently been added to Netflix, causing some viewers to experience emotional triggers while watching it.
The latest true crime docu-series explores the well-known dating app catering to individuals seeking extramarital affairs, along with the 2015 cyber attack in which the personal data of millions of users was exposed on the dark web.
The repercussions were extensive, with at least two suicides reportedly connected to the Ashley Madison hack.
The online community publicly criticized individuals in the public sphere, including YouTubers Sam and Nia Rader, who are featured in the Netflix documentary where they discuss their involvement in the leak and Sam’s infidelity.
Many viewers have found it challenging to watch. One person on Reddit shared, “I was not prepared for this documentary to trigger such strong emotions.”
My disgust did not stem from the act of cheating itself, but rather from the cowardly behavior of the cheaters. Many of them seemed too afraid to openly communicate their sexual needs or express their unhappiness with their relationship to their spouse.
One person expressed anger at the documentary’s portrayal of cheating as a mistake and the phrase “it takes two to tango.”They were frustrated that in 2024, the narrative of the documentary still seemed to suggest that cheating is acceptable and forgiveness is expected. This sentiment was dismissed as “bullsh*t.”
On X/Twitter, the number of posts from viewers discussing the emotions evoked by the docu-series is just as high.
One person expressed their regret over their morning viewing choices, stating that they had watched the Ashley Madison documentary series on Netflix. They also mentioned that they have been cheated on in all of their past relationships and are currently feeling heartbroken.
A second person remarked, “I am currently watching the new Ashley Madison documentary on Netflix and it has already angered me within the first 29 minutes. The idea of ‘life is short, have an affair’ is so irritating, just shut up lmao.”
A Redditor, who asserts that their former spouse was included in the data leak, has posted a longer explanation detailing what about Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal has caused their reaction.
Upon reflection, I feel it is important to mention that my current ex-husband displayed traits of a violent, abusive narcissist and had a history of infidelity. Therefore, upon learning of the Ashley Madison hack, I took the initiative to search the data and was not shocked to discover his name listed among the users.
I understand that people may cheat regardless, but that doesn’t mean you have to assist them in doing so.
“The reason for my post is because some of the individuals being interviewed are knowingly attempting to deceive the audience. They are claiming that ‘Ashley Madison taught them the cheater is not solely responsible.’ However, this is not the case.”
“I am accepting of open/poly relationships as long as they are founded on communication, honesty, and consent. In my opinion, this does not constitute cheating. However, if a partner who has promised to remain faithful breaks that trust by lying and having an affair (whether emotional or physical) with someone else, the responsibility lies solely with the cheating partner.”
“Stating otherwise can be incredibly harmful to those who have experienced this type of pain, particularly if we ourselves have also been targets of narcissistic abuse.”
Despite numerous angry comments regarding Sam and Nia’s story, it was revealed that he had been unfaithful to her at strip clubs, massage parlors, and even with some of Nia’s friends. Although he initially denied it, he eventually confessed and she chose to forgive him. Both of them credited their Christian beliefs as a major factor in their ability to move on from the situation.
Sam and Nia are still together
The Redditor provided an update on their post, expressing concern about the attention given to a money-driven “Christian”couple who promote the harmful idea that one must forgive a cheating spouse because it is what God desires.
“Another individual concurred, stating that while cheating is certainly wrong, the fact that this person deliberately chose to have affairs with sociopathic individuals is a serious issue that should not be overlooked. They could have easily chosen to cheat with anyone, but instead they chose to engage in damaging behavior. This is concerning and should not be ignored.”
Despite some disagreement, one person commented on the couple’s most recent YouTube video, acknowledging the effort that must have been put into it and expressing their happiness that they were able to overcome it.
You can catch the streaming of Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal on Netflix. For more true crime content, you can read about the new Cesar Roman documentary, learn where to watch the Alison Botha documentary, or delve into the Fiona Muir articles about Baby Reindeer. Additionally, you can discover new TV shows to add to your watchlist for the month of May.
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